System and method for mobile data expansion
A data expansion system that provides continuum of discrete wireless small cell coverage areas for mobile terminals includes a set of roadway reflectors configured to provide wireless broadband data services to a mobile terminal. Each reflector includes processing circuitry configured to establish communications between the mobile terminal and a backhaul network. Each reflector includes a wireless transceiver configured to transmit and receive data. Each reflector includes a power source that converts solar energy into electricity. Each reflector includes a housing configured to contain the processing circuitry, the transceiver, and the power source. The housing has a raised reflective surface.
1. A data expansion reflector comprising:
a wireless transceiver configured to transmit and receive data;
a processing circuitry configured to:
couple to a backhaul network through a wire line communication link and to at least one mobile terminal through a wireless communication link, and
communicate information between the at least one mobile terminal and the backhaul network;
a power source configured to provide electrical energy to at least one of the processing circuitry and the wireless transceiver; and
a housing comprising a raised pavement marker including a reflective surface, the housing configured to contain the processing circuitry, the wireless transceiver, and the power source.
2. The data expansion reflector of claim 1 , wherein the processing circuitry is configured to couple to at least a data expansion reflector.
3. The data expansion reflector of claim 2 , wherein the second data expansion reflector is coupled to the backhaul network.
4. The data expansion reflector of claim 3 , wherein the processing circuitry is coupled to second data expansion reflector via a logical daisy chain.
5. The data expansion reflector of claim 1 , wherein the processing circuitry is further configured to handover the communication with the at least one mobile terminal to a data expansion reflector.
6. The data expansion reflector of claim 1 , wherein the power source comprises a port configured to receive electricity from an external power source.
7. The data expansion reflector of claim 1 , wherein the power source comprises a converter configured to convert solar energy into electricity and at least one of:
a solar panel; and
a photovoltaic painted stripe on a road.
8. The data expansion reflector of claim 1 , wherein the power source is configured to use solar energy to charge a solar-charging battery and provide power to operate the wireless transceiver and the processing circuitry.
9. The data expansion reflector of claim 1 , wherein the processing circuitry is configured to couple to the at least one mobile terminal via an intermediate control unit.
10. The data expansion reflector of claim 9 , wherein the intermediate control unit comprises:
an interface configured to couple to the mobile terminal; and
a memory configured to at least one of:
buffer at least a portion of the information transferred between the backhaul network and the mobile terminal; and
store a file marker configured to identify a portion of data received from the backhaul network.
11. A system comprising
a first set of data expansion reflectors, the first set of data expansion reflectors comprising: a plurality of data expansion reflectors configured to couple to a backhaul network, each data expansion reflector comprising:
a wireless transceiver configured to transmit and receive data;
a processing circuitry configured to:
couple to the backhaul network through a wire line communication link and to at least one mobile terminal through a wireless communication link, and
communicate information between the at least one mobile terminal and the backhaul network;
a power source configured to provide electrical energy to at least one of the processing circuitry and the wireless transceiver; and
a housing comprising a raised pavement marker including a reflective surface, the housing configured to contain the processing circuitry, the wireless transceiver, and the power source.
12. The system of claim 11 , wherein the first set of data expansion reflector is configured to handover a connection with the at least one user mobile terminal to a second set of surface markers.
13. The system of claim 12 , wherein the second set of data expansion reflectors comprises a plurality of surface markers coupled to the backhaul network.
14. The system of claim 13 , wherein the second set of data expansion reflectors is coupled to the first set of data expansion reflectors via a logical daisy chain.
15. The system of claim 11 , wherein the power source comprises a port configured to receive electricity from an external power source.
16. The system of claim 11 , wherein the power source comprises a converter configured to convert solar energy into electricity and at least one of:
a solar panel; and
a photovoltaic painted stripe on a road.
17. The system of claim 11 , wherein the power source is configured to use solar energy to charge a solar-charging battery and provide power to operate the wireless transceiver and the processing circuitry.
18. A method comprising:
coupling a data expansion unit to a backhaul network through a wire line communication link;
coupling at least one mobile terminal to the data expansion unit through a wireless communication link; and
communicating, by the data expansion unit, information between the at least one mobile terminal and the backhaul network, wherein the data expansion unit comprises a raised pavement marker including a reflective surface.
19. The method of claim 18 , further comprising handing over the communication with the at least one mobile terminal to a second data expansion reflector, and
wherein the mobile terminal comprises an automobile.
20. The method of claim 18 , further comprising storing a geographic location of the data expansion unit.